Ballet gala invites joie de vivre at SPAC

The New York City Ballet Gala encourages fine picnic spreads on the lawn at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. This year's gala, July 14, will feature a picnic contest, the winner to receive the first Philly Dake trophy.
Photo provided

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- The elegant Belle Époque era comes to life on Saturday, July 14, for the Saratoga Performing Arts Center's annual Ballet Gala, "An Evening at the Moulin Rouge."

The popular summer fundraiser, which coincides with "Bastille Day," will recreate the atmosphere of a Parisian lounge circa 1900, with a champagne and La Fée Absinthe reception, a strolling accordion player, exquisite French cuisine and guests dressed in period attire.

Organized and hosted by SPAC's Action Council, proceeds from the event support the summer residency of the New York City Ballet at SPAC.

The centerpiece of the evening will be a special performance by New York City Ballet that will include a world premiere ballet by Justin Peck.

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Across the venue's expansive grounds, SPAC's Junior Committee hosts the Gala Lawn Party under the stars.

Known as one of the most elegant, yet affordable events of the Saratoga season, guests enjoy live music and candlelight picnics and parties on SPAC's lawn.

A highlight of this year's Lawn Party will be the picnic contest, with this year's winners inaugurating a new trophy dedicated to the late Philly Dake, one of SPAC's founders, longtime benefactors and former president of the Action Council.

"The Ballet Gala is one of the most highly anticipated events on the Saratoga summer calendar. My warmest thanks go out to Action Council president Gerri Golub and event chairs Andrea Spungen and Michel Patterson for the creativity and tremendous effort they've invested in planning this event," said Marcia J. White, SPAC's president and executive director.

"The evening promises to be an elegant, exciting celebration of the partnership between SPAC and New York City Ballet, transporting guests to a lavish Moulin Rouge atmosphere and an era where art, music and dance flourished," she said.

Lawn admission to the gala is $50 per person; tickets are available at spac.org or at the SPAC Box Office. Lawn table and tent rentals also available through SPAC at spac.org. Tickets for the Hall of Springs Gala, which include the champagne reception, dinner and premium seating for the New York City Ballet performance, are $250 per person and can be purchased by calling Linda Deschenes at SPAC, 584-9330, ext. 115, linda@spac.org.